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Endurance exercise-induced and mental fatigue and the brain
Romain Meeusen1, Jeroen Van Cutsem1, Bart Roelands1
1Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
Experimental Physiology
|March 17, 2020
Summary
Brain neurotransmission influences exercise and mental fatigue. The noradrenergic system speeds central fatigue, while dopamine and adenosine impact mental fatigue, affecting performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports and exercise science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Fatigue, a complex state of tiredness, significantly impacts exercise performance.
- Exercise-induced fatigue is categorized into peripheral and central types.
- Mental fatigue, a psychobiological state, impairs cognitive and exercise performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature linking brain neurotransmission to exercise-induced and mental fatigue.
- To highlight advances in understanding the neurochemical underpinnings of fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific papers.
- Analysis of findings on neurotransmitter systems and fatigue.
Main Results:
- The noradrenergic neurotransmitter system accelerates central fatigue during prolonged exercise.
- Mental fatigue involves multiple neurotransmitter systems, notably dopamine and adenosine, in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex.
- These neurochemical changes contribute to performance impairments in mentally fatigued states.
Conclusions:
- Brain neurotransmission plays a critical role in both exercise-induced and mental fatigue.
- Understanding these neurochemical pathways is crucial for addressing fatigue in athletes and individuals experiencing prolonged exertion.
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